Making Sausage Links In An Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Yes, you can cook sausage links in an air fryer. It is a quick, easy, and hands-off method to cook sausages, which will turn out brown and crispy on the outside, and juicy in the middle. The cooking time is short, taking around 10 minutes, and you can cook other breakfast foods while the sausages are cooking.

How long to cook sausages in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook sausages in an air fryer! Whether they are frozen or fresh, you can cook sausages in an air fryer.

The cooking time depends on the type of sausages you are cooking. For thinner sausages, like breakfast sausages, cook them for 8-10 minutes at 400°F. For thicker sausages like Italian sausage or Bratwurst, cook them for 9-12 minutes at 400°F. If you are cooking fully cooked sausages, like Kielbasa, cook them for 4-7 minutes at 400°F.

Tips for Cooking Sausages in the Air Fryer:

• Place the sausages in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Poke holes in the sausages with a knife to allow the fat to escape.
• If you are worried about the sausages exploding, use a toothpick to poke a few holes in them before cooking.
• If you are cooking frozen sausages, you can cook them straight from frozen.
• Make sure the sausages are well-browned on the outside and have an internal temperature of 160°F if cooking from raw.

How to serve air-fried sausages

Air-fried sausages are a quick, easy, and tasty breakfast option. They can be served in a variety of ways, making them a versatile dish. Here are some ideas on how to serve air-fried sausages:

Breakfast Classics

• Eggs: Air-fried sausages go well with any style of eggs, from scrambled to poached. It provides a protein-packed start to your day.
• Hash Browns or Breakfast Potatoes: Add some hash browns or skillet-cooked breakfast potatoes for a comforting, crispy element to your meal.
• Pancakes or Waffles: For a sweet and savory combination, serve your sausages with fluffy pancakes or waffles. Drizzle with maple syrup for an indulgent touch.

Lighter Healthy Sides

• Fresh Fruit: Add a refreshing twist with a side of fresh fruit. Berries, melon, or citrus fruits are excellent choices to balance the richness of the sausages.
• Vegetable Stir-Fry: Prepare a quick stir-fry with bell peppers, onions, and spinach for a healthier option that adds fiber and nutrients to your meal.
• Toast or English Muffins: A slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin can complement the flavors of the sausages. Add butter or jam for extra taste.
• Bagels: Try a toasted bagel with cream cheese alongside your sausages for a hearty breakfast option.
• Sandwich: For a breakfast on the go, slice the sausages and place them on a buttered slice of bread with ketchup. Top with another slice of bread for a simple sandwich.

Other Suggestions

• Buns: During the summer, you might want to serve your air-fried sausages in a bun with mustard and kraut (homemade red cabbage kraut is a great option!).
• Sautéed Peppers, Onions, and Garlic: Sautéed peppers, onions, and garlic make a quick and easy dinner when paired with air-fried sausages. This meal is delicious served with rice.
• Pasta: Slice your sausages and throw them over some pasta. Try pesto spaghetti squash, red lentil pasta, or air fryer cauliflower gnocchi for a unique twist.
• Air-Fried Vegetables: For a balanced and colorful meal, pair your sausages with a mix of air-fried vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini.

Can you cook frozen sausages in the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook frozen sausages in an air fryer. This is a simple process that can be done in 15 minutes or less.

How to Cook Frozen Sausages in an Air Fryer

First, remove the sausages from their packaging. If they are stuck, run a little cool water over the package for a few minutes or microwave for 30 seconds. Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and place the frozen sausages into the air fryer basket. You can also preheat the air fryer to 350°F/180°C for at least five minutes.

Cook the sausages for five minutes, and then remove the basket from the air fryer. The sausages will be thawed enough to pull apart and redistribute in the air fryer basket so that more air can circulate around them. Place the air fryer basket back into the air fryer and cook the sausages for an additional eight to 10 minutes. At this point, they will be perfectly browned, cooked through, and juicy.

Tips for the Best Results

• Separate the sausages if they are stuck together after two minutes in the air fryer.
• Do not defrost before cooking.
• Preheat the air fryer.
• Flip your sausages halfway through cooking.
• Check them halfway through cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.

How Long to Cook Frozen Sausages in the Air Fryer

Previously cooked sausages that you are making from frozen in the air fryer are quick and simple. 15 minutes or less is all you will need.

But for cooking raw sausage in the air fryer, you will want to make sure that the internal temperature is at 165°F (74°C) before serving. So please use an instant thermometer to check. Add a few minutes to the cooking time if the thermometer does not read 165°F (74°C).

Do you need to add oil or cooking spray?

No, you don't need to add oil or cooking spray to your sausages when cooking them in the air fryer. The sausages will cook evenly and become crispy due to the air fryer's circulating hot air. However, if you're using a lower-fat sausage, you can lightly brush the basket with oil or use a piece of parchment paper with holes to prevent sticking.

Some people like to add a few splashes of water to the bottom of the air fryer before using it to decrease the chances of white smoke. Alternatively, you can add some bread to the bottom to soak up the grease, but some people think this is a waste of good bread!

How to prevent sausages from sticking to the air fryer basket

Sausages are a great food to cook in an air fryer, but it can be frustrating when they stick to the basket. Here are some tips to prevent this from happening:

Choose the Right Oil or Cooking Spray

Using cooking spray or oil helps create a barrier between the air fryer basket and the food, preventing sticking. However, it's important to choose the right type. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays as they often contain additives that can leave a residue on the basket, making food more likely to stick. Instead, opt for a cooking spray specifically designed for air fryers, or use a brush to evenly distribute oil onto the basket. Oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, avocado oil, or peanut oil, are ideal for air frying.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial. It allows the air fryer to reach its optimal cooking temperature, creating a non-stick surface on the basket. Set your air fryer to the desired temperature and let it run for a few minutes before adding your sausages.

Avoid Overcrowding the Basket

Overcrowding the air fryer basket can cause the hot air to circulate improperly, leading to food sticking. Leave enough space between the sausages to allow for even cooking and prevent sticking. Depending on the size and capacity of your air fryer, you may need to cook the sausages in batches.

Flip or Shake the Basket During Cooking

Flipping or shaking the basket during cooking helps prevent food from sticking by allowing it to cook evenly on all sides. Use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the sausages, or gently shake the basket. Always use caution when handling hot food and equipment.

Clean the Basket Properly

Proper cleaning of the air fryer basket is essential to maintain its non-stick properties. After each use, remove the basket and allow it to cool completely. Then, gently scrub it with a non-abrasive sponge or brush and mild dish soap. Rinse and dry the basket thoroughly before using it again.

Use Parchment Paper or a Foil Sling

If you're still having trouble with sticking, try using parchment paper. Cut a piece to fit the bottom of the basket and place it inside before adding your sausages. Alternatively, create a foil sling by folding a sheet of aluminum foil to fit the basket, pressing it into the sides. This provides an effective barrier against sticking and makes food removal easier.

Frequently asked questions